Collateral Damage

Collateral Damage

Year: 2002

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Davis

Budget: $85M

ActionThriller

After a devastating terrorist attack claims the lives of his family, firefighter Gordon Brewer is consumed by grief and a desire for revenge. Frustrated by the inability of legal channels to bring the perpetrators to justice, he sets out on a dangerous mission to Colombia, determined to track down Claudio "The Wolf" Perrini, believed to be responsible. Brewer’s relentless pursuit leads him into a shadowy world of international terrorism as he risks everything to find closure.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Collateral Damage (2002)

Trace every key event in Collateral Damage (2002) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Bombing at Colombian Consulate

A devastating bomb explodes at the Colombian Consulate in Los Angeles, claiming the lives of nine individuals, including high-ranking Colombian officials and American intelligence agents. Among the casualties are Gordy Brewer's wife and son, marking a personal tragedy for him and prompting his relentless quest for justice.

Los Angeles, California
2

Gordy's Injury

Gordy Brewer, a Los Angeles firefighter, arrives at the scene to pick up his family but is caught in the explosion. Injured and in shock from the tragedy, Gordy vows to find out who is responsible for the attack that devastated his life.

Colombian Consulate, Los Angeles
3

El Lobo's Threat

In the aftermath of the attack, a taped message from a masked man claiming to be 'El Lobo' is sent to the U.S. State Department. He takes responsibility for the bombing, citing America's oppression of Colombia as the motive for his violent retaliation.

U.S. State Department
4

Investigation Under Scrutiny

FBI agents suspect that the perpetrator is a known Colombian terrorist named Claudio Perrini. Meanwhile, CIA Special Agent Peter Brandt faces severe consequences from a Senate Oversight Committee as CIA operations in Colombia are critically put on hold following the attack.

Washington, D.C.
5

Gordy's Pursuit

Frustrated by the slow pace of the investigation, Gordy travels to the Colombian town of Mompós in search of Claudio. However, his quest takes a turn when he is arrested for illegally entering the country.

Mompós, Colombia
6

Prison Break

While in a Colombian prison, a guerrilla cell orchestrates a daring prison break, targeting Gordy as a potential ransom. Chaos ensues, and although Brandt's team is tipped off about Gordy's situation, they arrive too late to prevent the breakout.

Colombian Prison
7

Gordy's Escape

Once free, Gordy begins navigating through dangerous guerrilla territories. He meets Canadian mechanic Sean Armstrong, who provides him with crucial information to connect with drug lord Felix Ramirez, the financier of the guerrilla operations.

8

Destruction of Drug Facility

Disguised as a mechanic, Gordy infiltrates a drug facility and plants improvised explosives. The explosives detonate, destroying the facility and leading to the execution of Felix Ramirez as a result of the attack, witnessed by Gordy from the shadows.

Drug Facility, Colombia
9

Infiltration of Claudio's Compound

Gordy successfully infiltrates Claudio's compound with the intention to kill him. However, during the operation, he is captured while protecting a woman revealed to be Claudio's wife, Selena, who understands Gordy's pain and intentions.

Claudio's Compound
10

Selena Reveals the Plan

In a shocking turn, Selena reveals to Gordy that Claudio is plotting another major attack, this time targeting Washington, D.C. This sets off alarm bells for Gordy, who realizes time is of the essence to thwart this impending disaster.

Claudio's Compound
11

Assault on Claudio's Location

As Brandt's unit closes in on Claudio’s location, they prepare for a tactical assault. Amidst the chaos, Selena assists Gordy in escaping the compound, unveiling new layers of betrayal and urgency as they rush to prevent the attack.

Washington, D.C.
12

Realization of the Target

While escaping, Gordy realizes that the target of the attack is not just Union Station, but the State Department itself. He sees Selena mimic a gesture made by El Lobo earlier in the film, leading to a shocking epiphany about her true identity.

State Department
13

Preventing the Attack

In a race against time, Gordy hurls Mauro’s toy dinosaur—rigged with explosives—out the window seconds before it detonates. Brandt, in an attempt to confront Selena, is shot in an elevator, highlighting the high stakes and tragic losses of the day.

State Department
14

Confrontation in the Tunnels

Gordy pursues Selena and Claudio into the basement tunnels of the State Department. A series of explosive events leads to a physical confrontation, culminating in the deaths of both Selena and Claudio, marking the end of their violent reign.

State Department Basements
15

Recognition for Valor

Following the destruction and dramatic turn of events, the media announces that Gordy Brewer will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His actions not only saved lives but also prevented one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in U.S. history.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 18:58

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Ordinary individuals pushed to extremes by devastating personal loss.If you liked Collateral Damage, explore movies where a devastating personal tragedy ignites a relentless, high-stakes quest for vengeance. These films often feature ordinary people becoming formidable forces, driven by righteous anger and a need for closure against seemingly untouchable enemies, delivering tense and emotionally charged action.

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They share a specific world-building element: the high-pressure environment of international terrorism. This creates a cohesive vibe defined by geopolitical tension, a clandestine enemy, explosive set-pieces, and a focus on survival and prevention against overwhelming odds.

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Collateral Damage Summary

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Collateral Damage Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Collateral Damage

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Collateral Damage

Collateral Damage Spoiler-Free Summary

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